Allihies Autumn School
An Chailleach – Hag, Healer, Holy Woman
Immerse Yourself in the Wisdom of the Cailleach and discover the gifts and insights that she has to offer modern society.
10th – 12th October 2025 | Allihies, Beara Peninsula, West Cork
Programme Schedule
| Date & Time | Speaker/Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 10th, 6:00 p.m. | Rachel Parry – ‘Cloaks and Pinholes’ exhibition. Viewing from 6:00. Opening by Paddy Bushe at 6:30 | ‘Cloaks for The Cailleach’; plus pinholes documenting performances by the artist together with images of Cailleach Bhéarra, the coastline and ghostly female figures. Exhibition sponsored by Cork County Council.  |
| Friday 10th, 7:25 p.m. | Intro by Tadhg O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Allihies Parish Cooperative. | Introduction and welcome. |
| Friday 10th, 7:35 p.m. | Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. TD for Cork South–West. | Official opening of the Autumn School by Christopher O’Sullivan TD. |
| Friday 10th, 8:00 p.m. | Dr Mary Condren – “The Wisdom traditions of the Irish Cailleach, her family and her international sisters” | Explores the concept of the Cailleach, her cultural displacement, and global parallels. Highlights her significance in Irish tradition and modern relevance. |
| Saturday 11th, 9:30 a.m. | Paddy Bushe – “Behind the Veil: an Chailleach Bhéara as a poetic shapeshifter” | Discusses the Cailleach Bhéara’s various representations from mythology to contemporary literature and film. Mentions figures such as Yeats, Leanne O’Sullivan, Patrick Pearse, and more. |
| Saturday 11th, 10:30 a.m. SHARP | Visit to Kilcatherine – Dr Karen Ward & Carina McNally | Visit to the Hag of Beara Stone and Kilcatherine Church. Rituals and storytelling around the sacred site’s history, spiritual significance, and legacy of holy women. THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDANT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. |
| Saturday 11th, 2:00 p.m. | Finbarr O’Shea | CEO of Bantry Credit Union. |
| Saturday 11th, 2:30 p.m. | Colette Allen – “The Placenames of Buí, the otherworld female” | Colette will look at variants of the Cailleach’s name and where they are found e.g Calliaghwee, Ard na Callaí/Slieve na Callaigh, and routeways such as Boherboy/Bealach Buí Colette’s research indicates that the Cailleach’s name is found on territorial boundaries indicating her role in sovereignty. Also, unusual geological features that bear her name help to reveal her place in geomythology as creator of the landscape.
|
| Saturday 11th, 3:30 p.m. | Short Film: Bean Feasa + Panel Discussion | Film introduced by Director Daniel Butler. Followed by panel discussion with Dr Mary Condren and Paddy Bushe. |
| Saturday 11th, 8:00 p.m. | Crow’s Old Gold – Performed by Strive Theatre | Dramatic performance inspired by themes of the Cailleach. |
| Sunday 12th, 10:30 a.m. | Catherine Marshall – Na Cailleacha: “The School of Hibernia (after Raphael)” | Presentation on reclaiming female voices in education and philosophy. Includes visual presentation of the School of Hibernia art project. |
| Sunday 12th, 12:00 p.m. | Emma Verling – Local historian, “An Chailleach Bhéarra and ourselves” Dr Karen Ward – “How is the Cailleach relevant in our lives now?” | Interactive talk helping attendees integrate the spirit and wisdom of the Cailleach into everyday life after the event. |
| LUNCH BREAKS: Saturday & Sunday (after midday sessions) | ||
Join us in the wilds of Beara this October.
Allihies Autumn School is sponsored by Bantry Credit Union.
VENUE
Allihies Copper Mine Museum & Kilcatherine Sacred Sites
Click here for accommodation options.
TICKETS & BOOKING
Weekend Pass: €150
Includes access to all talks, site visit, performance and lunches.
Booking Options:
- Online – Fill out the form below, we’ll send you payment link.
- Call –(0)27 73 218 or +353 (0)89 439 9659
This event is now fully booked. All available places have been reserved.
Thank you for your incredible interest in the Autumn School. We have reached full capacity and can no longer accept new registrations at this time. If you wish to join the waiting list or would like to be notified of future events, please complete the form below. The booking form remains open for queries and waiting list submissions only.